How TEXAS MUTUAL Helps

Hazards and Controls: Transportation Industry

The transportation industry has staked its claim in our economy and on our roads. In fact, nearly 10 percent of all miles driven in the US are attributed to large trucks and busses – that’s almost 300 billion each year. And with all those miles being covered by 6 million commercial drivers across the nation, there’s a lot of room for things to go right, or wrong. The transportation industry has the potential to keep their workers, and others on the road, safer with every mile driven.

The transportation industry has the potential to keep their workers, and others on the road, safer with every mile driven.

Hazard: Distracted Driving

In Texas alone, there are approximately 300 fatal semi-truck accidents every year, and over 2,000 more that result in injuries. Many of these are the result of distracted driving, which includes far more than just using your phone on the road. Drivers can become distracted by eating, reaching for something, adjusting the radio, grooming, talking with a passenger and even trying to read or write while at the wheel.

Controls:

Establish a company policy that prohibits the use of cell phones at the wheel.

Educate employees on the hazards of distracted driving beyond cell phone use. Texas Mutual has a number of resources to help you with this, including our Safe Hand Texas kit.

Provide hands-free devices for employees who need to access their cell phone while driving in order to do their job.

Hazard: Drowsy Driving

In 2015, nearly 137,000 hours-of-service violations were issued to commercial drivers, which means that hundreds of thousands of tired drivers were on our roads. When drivers are overworked or simply don’t get the rest they need, they put themselves and their fellow drivers at risk. Drowsy drivers are more likely to doze off at the wheel, less aware of what’s happening around them and slower to react in critical situations.

Hazard: Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance

A small maintenance issue could quickly become dangerous under the right conditions. From tire blowouts that lead to a fatal rollover to malfunctioning seat belts that could have saved a life, maintenance issues can have serious consequences. With regular maintenance, drivers have a better chance of staying safe on the road.

Controls:

Create a maintenance inspection checklist and ensure it is completed regularly.

Require employees to complete a condensed version of the vehicle inspection checklist before getting on the road, evaluating things like tire pressure and headlight functionality.

Resolve maintenance issues immediately and don’t allow the vehicle to be driven again until the issues are completely resolved.

Hazard: Loading and Unloading

Strains and sprains account for half of all injuries in the trucking industry, with most occurring during the loading and unloading of freight. With a few simple controls and adequate training on lifting techniques, you can give workers the tools they need to do the job safely.

Controls:

Ensure that loads are completely secured before leaving the site, and require that drivers check for shifting before unloading.

Provide appropriate equipment for loading and unloading, and training for that equipment.

Don’t overload workers by sending the driver alone when the load will require more than one person to move the freight.

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Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state's leading workers' compensation provider, insures 43% of the Texas workers' compensation market and works to serve the needs of over 70,000 businesses across the state every single day. Helping employers prevent workplace accidents is an important part of Texas Mutual’s mission.